Residents near a Bradford school say they are at their wits' end following a spate of vandalism in their gardens.

Neighbours of Hanson School have reported vandalism on garden walls and furniture, and abuse from pupils at lunchtime and after school.

And one resident has had more than 30 feet of brick wall kicked down.

Catherine Thomas, 73, who lives near the Swain House school, said she has had enough.

"We have contacted the school and the police and nothing is being done," she said. "It is getting worse, in fact."

She said an expensive bird garden bought as a birthday present by family has been damaged and her garden is being ruined.

"On two occasions fighting girls have fallen over the hedge and ended up in my front garden," she said.

"I love my garden - even if a leaf is out of place I put it right. But now I am just losing heart."

She said the wall was systematically broken down during November.

"I was in the house and there was a big group of young people sitting on the wall," she said. "Then I heard a loud noise and saw that part of the wall had come down. I don't know if it was an accident at that time but since then it has been kicked down on purpose. It is just getting me so upset."

Other neighbours, too frightened to give their names, claimed they face constant abuse and litter problems caused by pupils.

"It is a really nice area here but our lives are being made a misery by these gangs," said one elderly resident.

Tim Brookes, assistant headteacher at Hanson, said the school takes the behaviour of pupils very seriously.

"We are doing some citizenship work with our pupils and we held an assembly telling our pupils to have respect for the community," he said.

"We have also increased extra-curricular activities after school so that our pupils are engaged.

"We take these matters very seriously and will co-operate fully with the police if they are looking to make a prosecution."

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating. Our community-safety department will look into the matter with a view to paying more attention to the area by increasing patrols."

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call Bradford North police on (01274) 376059.